In the early 1970's , when scarring of the skin occurred, the skin was ablated by a dermabrasion device performed while under anesthesia due to the intense pain. You were of commission for several weeks. We learned at that time that a new scar was simply replacing an old scar. The procedure was costly, painful and made the skin even thicker as a new scar formed. Lasers came along and worked well, but in my esthetic practice, I have seen many problems caused by lasers since they cannot be used everywhere on the body. Often there is a line of demarcation and it is obvious that laser treatment has been done.

At Skintrients, I specialize in acne and skin that has been scarred by acne or burns. Micro-needling performed on burned skin allows it to have a more relaxed appearance and makes the skin feel not so tight. It does just the reverse on sagging skin. It tightens the skin without downtime and without pain.

What Actually Takes Place In the Skin With Micro-needling?

When the skin is injured by little pinpoint punctures, the pores of the top layer of the skin separate a bit without being damaged. You can see in the diagram how the skin proliferates in collagen better when the top layer of the skin is not removed as in the laser. The top layer of the skin, the epidermis, is left intact, so this procedure is painless, while the injury to the skin sends a message to the dermis to build more collagen and to tighten up. Treatments are recommended once a month for five months and then repeated at least once a year if not more. By persistently triggering the wounded area to remodel the collagen and elastin, the skin virtually heals itself. Over a six month period, the skin repairs the collagen and elastin fibers that have gone awry with aging or that have been damaged and go crazy due to inflammation. Collagen, is a protein substance that gives skin its strength and is necessary in wound healing. Fibroblast cells aid in the production of collagen and elastin. Micro-needling can be used on any part of the body but results may vary according to the damage done. It can be used on the fairest skin, Fitzpatrick I type to the very darkest skin, Fitzpatrick 6. After the treatment, your skin will have very little downtime with perhaps a feeling of a moderate sunburn to the area. Always remember to use sunscreen.